Avon Far Away Splendoria 2022

From the archive: Usually I like to put the names of the perfumer in the title, but due to SEO reasons and the length of the three names, I’ve decided to just tell you in the opening paragraph. Avon Far Away Splendoria was created by a trio of perfumers: Nelly Hachem-Ruiz, Nicolas Beaulieu and Julien Rasquinet. Now do you see why I couldn’t put all that in title? It landed on my doormat courtesy of Avon. This is, according to Avon, “the world’s first white oud accord.”

Once you hear that it has oud in it, you may react as I did , and roll those eyes back in your head. However, bear with me, because this is a light touch of white oud. Yes, oud has been done to death and I for one am rarely moved unless the perfumer is particularly clever or light handed with it. With Avon Far Away Splendoria, the oud is definitely present, but I felt that it could almost be a mossy patchouli by the time it had got its first deep breath out of the way.

This doesn’t resemble the original Avon Far Away– that powdery creamy vanilla blend is instantly recognisable once you’ve smelled it. This is more of a distant relation from a step uncle. It is glamorous, exotic and makes a statement. The notes are white oud, gardenia, plum and bourbon vanilla. Shrinking violets need not apply. The plum is deep and rich, like brandied fruit in a Christmas jar. The oud never leaves, although it does gently dial down its intensity after the first spray.

The vanilla is rich, golden and warm. In fact, I was surprised this had a summer launch since it would be perfect for Christmas Party season and New Year’s Eve. If you like spicy ambers and warm, woody fragrances, Avon Far Away Splendoria is for you. As for me, I rather like how the oud is enhanced by the other accords, rather than drowning them out. This is white oud, and I don’t feel qualified to tell you what the difference is between white oud and normal oud, but to my nose it’s a bit like the difference between woods and blond woods, so I hope that helps.

The gorgeous bottle has since been updated to the now familiar stackable Far Away bottles characterised by their different colours.. Do I recommend it? Yes, but maybe wait for the heatwave to definitely go away. Lasting power is fabulous.

Where to buy it

Avon Far Away Splendoria is available from your Avon rep or online from the Avon website. The price is right at £17 for 50ml of EDP, but keep an eye out, as Avon frequently has special offers on from campaign to campaign.

Disclaimer

Although Avon kindly sent me this bottle, my choice to review it and my opinion of it are both my own. All images are from the brand.